01
Begin with a surprising observation
Write down what caught your attention without explaining it immediately. An almost-human face feels odd; a simple rule produces a complex pattern. Separating the observation from the explanation leaves room for alternatives.
02
Make three possible explanations
These are hypotheses to investigate, not conclusions. Ask what each explanation would predict and what evidence would help distinguish it from the others.
03
Choose one useful detour
Find a relevant book, chapter, or primary source. Keep a short record of the question it helped answer and the question it raised. Not every interesting branch needs to be followed today.
04
Return with a better question
Finish by rewriting your opening question. A more precise uncertainty can be a better result than a confident answer based on too little evidence.